Experiences of sensory rooms on secure, forensic psychiatric wards
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Qualitative study of patient and staff experiences following the introduction of a sensory room on two forensic psychiatric wards.
IRAS ID
212942
Contact name
Sarah Tozer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 26 days
Research summary
Sensory interventions have become a more prominent feature in the therapeutic management of challenging behaviour within inpatient psychiatric services. Traditionally management of symptoms of aroused states would involve medication, staff contact or seclusion; however there has been a dynamic shift within organisations to use more holistic and trauma-informed approaches. Noted within the literature, the introduction of such rooms on psychiatric wards appears to have a positive impact across several areas, including perceived management of aroused states, aided communication between staff and peers and a place for relaxation. Sensory interventions are designed to provide individuals with a therapy that offers both a relaxing environment and a way to elicit a sense of recovery and safety through the stimulation of the five senses. Sensory rooms in particular are commonly a soft, pale colour with black out windows or blinds. Items within the room may include bean bags, massage chairs, textured cushions, bubble tubes, low lighting, fibre-optic cable lighting, aromatherapy and calming music. Despite sensory interventions becoming a more prominent feature on inpatient psychiatric wards, there is still a paucity of research in this area as a whole. To date, there is only one study looking at the application of a sensory room in a forensic setting and the associated service-user/staff experiences. The present study aims to address this gap in the literature by exploring the lived experiences of male, forensic psychiatric service-users and staff-members use of sensory rooms. Data will be collected from all participants through semi-structured interviews. By being more informed on this topic, it will allow forensic psychiatric services to introduce sensory rooms with a greater understanding of perceived challenges and support required, thereby optimizing their potential.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0043
Date of REC Opinion
23 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion